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The Iranian national football team left a message on fair play and sportsmanship following their 1–1 draw with Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match held in Seattle. The gesture comes after a similar note was left in the locker room following their match against Belgium.
After the match at Lumen Field, a handwritten note reportedly left in the dressing room by members of the Iran squad was shared online by Tasnim News Agency. The message focused on themes of honor, respect and integrity in football beyond competitive results.
In the statement, the team described football as “more than a competition for results” and instead “a test of character,” stressing that while points can be earned through various means, respect must be earned through conduct and fairness. The note further emphasized that fair play represents “the soul of the game.”
The message also reflected on national identity, stating that Iran has historically valued honor above victory and that true success is measured not only by progression in tournaments but also by maintaining dignity and ethical conduct on and off the pitch.
The statement followed a tightly contested match in which both sides secured a point, a result that confirmed Egypt’s progression to the knockout stage of the competition while leaving Iran’s qualification hopes dependent on other group outcomes.
Iran’s performance included moments of frustration, including a disallowed late goal, but the post-match focus shifted toward the team’s broader message of sportsmanship rather than the result itself.
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